The more I read, the more I acquire, the more certain I am that I know nothing.

I envy animals for two things - their ignorance of evil to come, and their ignorance of what is said about them.

Let all the laws be clear, uniform and precise for interpreting laws is almost always to corrupt them.

God has punished the knave, and the devil has drowned the rest.

To succeed in chaining the multitude, you must seem to wear the same fetters.

Of all religions, the Christian should of course inspire the most tolerance, but until now Christians have been the most intolerant of all men.

I advise you to go on living solely to enrage those who are paying your annuities. It is the only pleasure I have left.